12 Injured in Agua Dulce Freeway Pileup Involving Wrong-Way Driver

By John Bisnar

Eight vehicles were involved in a pileup on the 14 Freeway in Agua Dulce, which left 12 people injured. According to a CBS Los Angeles news report, the injury collision occurred the afternoon of June 17, 2013 near the Escondido Canyon Road exit. Three people were seriously injured in the crash, which was caused by a wrong-way driver. The driver of a pickup was traveling south on the northbound 14 Freeway and plowed head-on into another vehicle triggering the massive pileup. One car overturned and another had a pole thrust through its window. Investigators suspect that the driver of the pickup truck was under the influence at the time.

DUI Crashes in Los Angeles

According to the California Highway Patrol’s 2010 Statewide Integrated Traffic Records System (SWITRS), there were 219 fatalities and 24,651 injuries involving car accidents in Los Angeles. Of those, 79 deaths and 1,989 injuries resulted from accidents that were caused by a DUI driver.

California DUI Law

Based on this news report, it appears that the driver in this case was under the influence. Some media outlets have reported that he was under the influence of drugs at the time. According to California Vehicle Code Section 23152 (a): “It is unlawful for any person who is under the influence of any alcoholic beverage or drug, or under the combined influence of any alcoholic beverage and drug, to drive a vehicle.”

Liability Issues

In this case, injured victims can seek compensation from the at-fault driver for their injuries and damages. Injured victims can seek damages including medical expenses, lost wages, cost of hospitalization, rehabilitation, permanent injuries, disabilities, pain and suffering and emotional distress. Injured victims would also be well advised to contact an experienced Los Angeles personal injury lawyer who will stay on top of the official investigation and ensure that their legal rights and best interests are protected. In addition to criminal charges, DUI drivers can also be held financially responsible for the damages they cause. In any crash that involves multiple vehicles and victims, injured parties would be well advised not to rush into settlements or sign agreements without seeking the advise of their attorneys.

Disclaimer: Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys provides the California Injury Blog as a public service for general information only. It is not a substitute for legal advice. No person should act or refrain from acting on the basis of any information contained in this blog. The material on this blog is not intended as legal advice and is not a substitute for a consultation with an attorney. The best personal injury law firms offer free consultations. Bisnar Chase Personal Injury Attorneys and all contributing authors expressly disclaim all liability to any person with respect to the contents of this website, and with respect to any act or failure to act made on reliance on any material contained herein.